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JP: As we wrap up tonight our discussion of sanctification, I recommend these articles. Only brief excerpts are provided here – click through for full articles. Scroll down for information on the above image.

Christ’s death and resurrection are not only the basis for the forgiveness of sin, but also are the basis for breaking the power of sin in the believer’s life today. The Scriptures declare, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:9-11).

… I have sensed a trend among fundamentalists to place what I believe to be too great an emphasis on “personal devotions” as a way of sanctification. Again, to be sure, Christians should personally study the Bible. We teach our children to read in order that they may read and know the Bible (not the Bible qua Bible, but because the Bible is the ‘only rule God has given to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy him’).

A while back I was speaking with an older fundamentalist friend who lamented that a mutual acquaintance was no longer faithfully attending any assembly. The reason for this collapse, he explained, was that this young man was “no longer in the book.” I have heard many Christians speak of the importance of personal devotions in one’s daily walk, almost as the litmus test for their spiritual maturity. Sometimes I get the impression that many view personal devotions as the most important means of sanctification. Others tend to view it as a key mark of having reached spiritual maturity. These two views are related, yet differ slightly. Both are incorrect.

Although personal prayer and meditation on the Scriptures are necessary elements of the Christian walk, they are not the most important ingredient of spiritual growth and sanctification. Although today’s mature Christians typically have some kind of “personal devotions”, it is not the sign, or even the best sign, that one is spiritually mature.

… Christianity isn’t a negative thing, whereby we rid ourselves of something; it’s a positive thing whereby the negative is pushed off by the positive, leaving no space between, where error, sin darkness may creep in during the transition.

So, Christian growth is a matter of replacement—putting on the biblical alternative to the sinful belief, attitude, or behavior that is put off.

“Replacement, eh? I think I’ve got it.”

Let’s get rid of thinking negatively about sanctification. It should be a positive, joint adventure with God as you attain to new understanding of and obedience to God and His will.

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